Sunderland Rapist Jailed For 10 Years

A Sunderland man has been jailed for ten years after being convicted of carrying out sexual offences against a vulnerable girl.

Spencer Barella, 21, from Crossways was found guilty of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

Northumbria Police Deputy Chief Constable Steve Ashman said: "This was an appalling crime involving a young girl who was clearly in a vulnerable state."

"Barella used the fact that this teenager was under the influence of alcohol to his own advantage as she would have been in no fit state to stop him."

"There is no place in our community for men like Barella. I hope today's conviction comes as a warning to others who target vulnerable women and abuse them for their own gratification that they will be arrested and dealt with."

"I hope it also comes as some comfort to the victim whose bravery in speaking to police throughout the investigation and during court proceedings is commended."

"Working together, we can put a stop to this offending behaviour and keep our communities safe for everyone."